2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China (source: CDC). Read more about 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Each DSST exam costs $125. This includes a $25 non-refundable site fee to cover the administrative costs of testing, payable to WPU at the time you register for an exam. The balance of $100 is due directly to DSST and will be paid by credit card within the testing platform on the day of the exam.

Housing costs vary by the facility you live in.

Each October, the FAFSA is available for the next school year. While we don’t have a deadline, it’s important to fill it out as soon as possible to meet state and school financial aid deadlines. It also ensures that you can complete your registration on-time.

According to the guidance by the US Department of Education, CCRSAA funds are to be used to cover expenses related to the student’s education, including but not limited to Tuition, Fees, Room & Board, Transportation to and from the University, and other educational expenses.

The FAFSA calculates an Student Aid Index (SAI), which is an index number that colleges use to determine your eligibility for need based Federal financial aid.

DSST exams are usually multiple choice, timed, and administered at a computer terminal. A score of 70% or better is considered passing and the results are not included in your GPA. If you do not post a score of 70% or better, you do not earn credit for the exam.

If you are considering exams as part of your strategy to complete degree requirements, you need to review the exam list for titles that interest you and that do not overlap in content in an area for which you have already received credit or will receive credit. There are many titles to choose from that will address core (general eds) and titles that will address electives only. You are strongly advised to review all exam titles with your academic advisor before completing an exam especially if you are testing to earn credit in a core (general ed) area.

We understand that campus housing is many students’ primary residence during the year. Therefore, we have worked to ensure that housing may remain open and available to students regardless of whether classes are able to meet in person or must adjust to online only at some point during the semester. Students who move into campus housing this Fall are agreeing to remain in the unit for the semester. Any changes made to housing and meal plans prior to September 5th may be eligible for a pro-rated refund. Changes made after September 5th will not be considered for a refund.

Shared spaces including lounges and laundry rooms are sanitized five days a week and cleaned daily. Cleaning materials are also available for residents to perform additional sanitization of areas they are using. Please only use the bathroom on your wing or floor. RAs will also sanitize shared spaces during nightly rounds.

There are three meal plans available for students to purchase. Students who do not have meal plans are always welcome to purchase individual meals as needed. The Platinum meal plan is required for all freshman and sophomore students, and anyone living in the residence halls. The gold and silver plan are for students living in specific apartment complexes or houses. Visit our Dining Services page for more information and the most current pricing.

Each year, the U.S. Department of Education randomly selects approximately 22% of those who complete the FAFSA for a process called verification. If selected, there’s no need to worry! Verification is simply designed to make sure information submitted on the FAFSA matches actual tax records.

If you’re selected, you will need to complete a Verification Worksheet and submit tax transcripts for both the parent and student. Your financial aid counselor will compare the figures on the tax documents with what you reported on the FAFSA and make updates to your record if necessary. If you have already received an award before verification is complete, a revised award may be sent.

Verification is a review of information provided on the FAFSA. It is a federally mandated process. Please provide the documentation requested by the deadlines set by your financial aid team. Delaying your response will delay your financial aid. Verification may require you to submit items such as documentation of income, household size, number in college, and certain untaxed income, as well as other documents. If you have questions, feel free to contact Student Financial Services at 503.517.1091.

A counseling center is located in Caldwell House and is available to all students who seek career services or life counseling. Our Campus Ministries staff is also available to students seeking support.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides recommendations to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses. Read WHO advice for the public.

Don’t forget to protect yourself from another common virus, the flu (influenza). Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza. See People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications for a full list of age and health factors that confer increased risk. To be clear, the influenza virus is a different virus from COVID-19, and getting your flu shot will not protect you from COVID-19. But both viruses are spread in the same fashion and we do have a vaccine to help prevent the spread of the flu. At this time in the United States, your risk of getting the flu is much greater than your risk of contracting COVID-19.

You can access 24/7, on-demand Medical or TalkNow (talk to a mental health provider about anything, at any time) and Scheduled Counseling (for up to 12 visits each year), where you can set up single or recurring appointments with a provider you choose. You will also find information on the site about our site-based campus counselors who are available for appointments during the Fall and Spring semesters.

Caldwell House offers career and life counseling as well as testing accommodations for students who have IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) or who struggle due to a learning barrier. The Caldwell House also offers testing services for students who want to engage actively in discovering how to best study and improve their learning skills.

If you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical care right away from a healthcare provider. Call ahead to let the healthcare provider know your symptoms and recent travel history. Please avoid contact with other until you have been evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Support services such as Counseling, Academic Tutoring, Success and Retention Services, Disability Resources, and more are available through both in person and phone/video conferencing meetings. Students may contact the relevant departments to schedule appointments in advance.

• The 2026-27 FAFSA uses your 2024 tax information.
• The 2025-26 FAFSA uses your 2023 tax information.

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is asked to report this to WPU’s COVID Response Team. They will be asked when they were last on campus and additional questions in order to facilitate contact tracing.